Afewerki Zeru
Men's Marathon
Qualifying Time: 1:02:40
Qualifying Race: 2023 Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon
Date of Birth
10/10/97
Age on Race Day
26
Current Residence
Colorado Springs, CO
Hometown
Colorado Springs, CO/Eritrea
High School
Rampart High School
Profession
Work part-time at the Colorado Running Company and Assistant Coach at Discovery Canyon High School
Marathon PB
2:18:54
First Trials qualification
Yes
Number of attempts to qualify
2
College(s)
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Career Highlights
2022 NCAA Division II Champion, 5,000m; PBs: 5K, 13:44; 10K, 28:56; half marathon, 62:40; marathon, 2:18:54
Greatest Accomplishment
Knowing that I wake up everyday to chase some goals and being thankful for opportunities such as this race.
Interesting Story
Left his home with a group of friends in Eritrea at the age of 12 during civil war; was caught by Ethiopian soldiers and spent 4 years in a refugee camp before being sponsored by a refugee resettlement service in the U.S. Arrived in the U.S. in 2013 to live with a supportive foster family. Started running as a junior in high school as a way to stay in shape for soccer. Became a citizen in 2021 and earned a bachelor's degree in 2022.
Favorite Book
Running for my Life
Favorite Movie
Equalizer 3
Favorite TV Show/Series
Sofia The First
Favorite Song
Pray for me by Kendrick Lamar
Favorite Post-race Indulgence
Shoving myself in the fridge and eat anything and everything on sight
Favorite Breakfast
Eggs
Favorite Motivational Quote
"The magic we seek is in the work we are avoiding;" "Remember that there is a difference between living and being alive; "Life is beautiful."
Favorite Running Memory
Getting pooped on by an owl in the middle of a run
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